World English Bible · Under Rome
Acts 24
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After five days, the , , came down with certain and an orator, one . They informed the governor against . When he was called, began to accuse him, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that prosperity is coming to this nation by your foresight, we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent , with all thankfulness. But that I don't delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear words. For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane , and we arrested him. 7By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him." The also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so. When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, answered, "Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense, seeing that you can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to at . In they didn't find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a , either in the or in the city. Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me. But this I to you, that according to , which they call a sect, so I the of our fathers, believing all things which are according to , and which are written in ; having toward , which these also themselves look for, that there will be a of , both of the and unjust. In this I also practice always having a void of offense toward and men. Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for to my nation, and ; amid which certain from found me purified in , not with a mob, nor with turmoil. They ought to have been here before you and to make accusation if they had anything against me. Or else let these men themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before , 20unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, 'Concerning the of I am being judged before you today!'" But , having more exact knowledge concerning , deferred them, saying, "When , the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case." He ordered the centurion that should be kept in custody and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of his friends to him or to visit him. After some days, came with his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for and heard him concerning the in Christ . As he reasoned about , self-control, and the to come, was terrified, and answered, "Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you." Meanwhile, he also that money would be given to him by , that he might him. Therefore also he sent for him more often and talked with him. But when two years were fulfilled, was succeeded by Porcius , and desiring to gain with the , left in bonds.
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The world at this moment · Under Rome, 63 BC to AD 100 ›
Judea as a client kingdom and then a province. Roads, garrisons, taxes, crucifixion, and a common Greek language that let a message travel the empire faster than any before it.
- Rome
- The republic tears itself apart in civil war and comes out as an empire under Augustus. What follows is two centuries of relative peace across the whole Mediterranean, enforced by legions and paid for by taxes, with safe roads and safe sea lanes. Every one of Paul's journeys depends on that.
- Judea
- Governed first through Herod the Great, a client king of enormous ability and enormous brutality who rebuilds the temple into one of the wonders of the ancient world, then directly by Roman prefects. Crucifixion is the standard penalty for sedition and is used often and publicly.
- The wider world
- Greek is spoken from Spain to Syria, which means a letter written in Corinth can be read in Rome without translation. Jewish communities already exist in most major cities, which is where the first Christian preaching lands. Mystery religions, imperial cult, and philosophy all compete in the same marketplace.
- Further afield
- The Han dynasty rules China and trades silk westward along routes that touch the Roman world at second hand. In Britain the Roman conquest begins within a decade of the crucifixion.